Devices using flexible light emitting layer for creating disinfecting illuminated surface, and related methods

ABSTRACT

A light emitting device which inactivates microorganisms is disclosed. The light emitting device may include a flexible light emitting layer emitting a light; and a transparent or translucent layer over the flexible light emitting layer. The light may travel through and exit an exterior surface of the transparent or translucent layer, creating an exiting light. The exiting light exiting the transparent or translucent layer may have at least a portion thereof having a wavelength in a range of 380 to 420 nanometers, and may disinfect the exterior surface of the transparent or translucent layer. The light emitting device may be used alone to create a self-disinfecting high touch surface, e.g., on a door, or may be shaped to mate with other structure to create a disinfecting high touch surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/000,426 filed Jun. 5, 2018 and entitled “DEVICES USING FLEXIBLE LIGHTEMITTING LAYER FOR CREATING DISINFECTING ILLUMINATED SURFACE, ANDRELATED METHOD,” and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/593,474 filed Dec. 1, 2017 and entitled “DEVICESUSING FLEXIBLE LIGHT EMITTING LAYER FOR CREATING DISINFECTINGILLUMINATED SURFACE, AND RELATED METHOD,” and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/593,426 filed Dec. 1, 2017 and entitled “COVER WITHDISINFECTING ILLUMINATED SURFACE.” U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/000,426, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/593,474, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/593,426 are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to high touch surface disinfection, andmore specifically, to a light emitting device including a flexible lightemitting layer and a transparent or translucent layer thereover forcreating a disinfecting illuminated exterior surface, a related deviceincluding a conduit form of the aforementioned device, and a relatedmethod.

BACKGROUND

High touch surfaces are commonly inhabited by harmful microorganisms dueto the nature of their use by humans or other animals. Microorganismstransfer from, e.g., human to human, through contact of the same hightouch surfaces and may cause illness to the users. Harmful bacteria suchas Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), and Clostridium Difficile may be found onmany surfaces, increasing the chance of a user becoming sick ortransmitting the bacteria. For example, there are numerous cases ofhospital acquired infections due to bacteria such as the ones mentionedpreviously that cause unnecessary illness and money spent towardsmedical care. Healthcare facilities are not the only ones at risk forcausing illness. Athletics and gyms, transportation, food production andsuppliers, hospitality, offices, culinary services, etc., are all atrisk for hosting the contraction of bacterial related illnesses by theirinhabitants.

SUMMARY

Systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure relate tooptionally flexible light emitting devices that may replace high touchsurfaces. In some examples, a light emitting device inactivatesmicroorganisms via light from a light emitting layer, which may emanatethrough a transparent or translucent layer, a portion of which may exitat or around a wavelength in a range of 380 to 420 nanometers and withminimum irradiance sufficient to initiate inactivation ofmicroorganisms. In some examples, a rigid transparent or translucentconduit is disclosed with an elongated hollow interior.

In some examples, a light emitting device may be produced by supportinga flexible light emitting layer, linearly advancing and/or rotating acylindrical mandrel in contact with the flexible light emitting layerwhile adhering at least a portion of the cylindrical mandrel to flexiblelight emitting layer to cause the flexible light emitting layer to rollonto the cylindrical mandrel, arranging the flexible light emittinglayer into a conduit form, and placing the flexible light emitting layerin the conduit form into a rigid transparent or translucent conduit.

The foregoing and other features of the disclosure will be apparent fromthe following more particular description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples herein will be described in detail, with reference to thefollowing figures, wherein like designations denote like elements, andwherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a light emitting device and/or coveraccording to systems, methods, and apparatuses of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a light emitting device according tosystems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A shows a side view of a light emitting device and/or cover andits degree of flexibility according to systems, methods, and apparatusesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B shows a side view of a light emitting device and/or coverincluding a light-converting layer according to systems, methods, andapparatuses of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a light emitting device and/or cover on anirregular shape according to systems, methods, and apparatuses of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a light emitting device and/or coveron a door according to systems, methods, and apparatuses of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the light emitting device and/or cover ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a light emitting device and/orcover according to systems, methods, and apparatuses of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a light emitting device and/or coverwith a rigid transparent or translucent conduit according to systems,methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a light emitting device and/orcover with a rigid transparent or translucent conduit according tosystems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a light emitting device and/or coveraccording to systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosureon a table.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a light emitting device and/or coveraccording to systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosureon an escalator handle.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a light emitting device and/or coveraccording to systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosureon a toilet seat.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a light emitting device and/or coveraccording to systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosureon a stair handle.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a step of a method of producinglight emitting device and/or cover with a rigid transparent ortranslucent conduit according to systems, methods, and apparatuses ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a mandrel for use with a step of amethod of producing light emitting device and/or cover with a rigidtransparent or translucent conduit according to systems, methods, andapparatuses of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 16-19 show perspective views of steps of a method of producinglight emitting device and/or cover with a rigid transparent ortranslucent conduit according to systems, methods, and apparatuses ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of a step of a method of producinglight emitting device and/or cover with a rigid transparent ortranslucent conduit according to systems, methods, and apparatuses ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a step of a method of producinglight emitting device and/or cover with a rigid transparent ortranslucent conduit according to systems, methods, and apparatuses ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of another application of a lightemitting device and/or cover according to systems, methods, andapparatuses of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 23A-23B show perspective views of a device and/or cover accordingto systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 24-25 show perspective views of a device and/or cover according tosystems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of a device and/or cover on a hightouch surface according to systems, methods, and apparatuses of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 27 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a device and/or coverincluding a light-converting layer according to systems, methods, andapparatuses of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of a device and/or cover according tosystems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure on a wheelchair handle.

FIG. 29 shows an enlarged perspective view of a device and/or coveraccording to systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosureon a grocery cart.

FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of a device and/or cover according tosystems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure on a grocerycart.

FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of a device and/or cover according tosystems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure on an IV bagstand.

FIG. 32 shows a cross-sectional view of a segmented device and/or coveraccording to systems, methods, and apparatuses of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of a device and/or cover according tosystems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure on ahospital bed.

FIG. 34 shows a perspective view of a device and/or cover according tosystems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure on a drawerhandle.

FIG. 35 shows a perspective view of a device and/or cover according tosystems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure on a doorhandle.

FIGS. 36-39 show various views of a flexible device and/or coveraccording to systems, methods, and apparatuses of the presentdisclosure.

It is noted that the drawings of the disclosure are not to scale. Thedrawings should not be considered as limiting the scope of thedisclosure. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

High touch surfaces, such as handles, are conventionally disinfected ina number of ways. The most common technique is cleaning withdisinfecting, chemical cleaners. Challenges with chemical cleaners arethat they provide only intermittent disinfection, and allow the buildupof harmful microorganisms between cleanings. Since humans may touch hightouch surfaces at any time, continuous disinfection is desired.

Another approach employs antimicrobial coatings such as silver, copperor zinc, to disinfect. These coatings may be applied directly tosurfaces, or may be provided in handles that cover high touch surfaces.These coatings may wear off or may require replenishing, and thus mayhave a limited lifetime. They may also be unsafe for human or internalcontact, and may be messy to use. Antimicrobial coatings may also damagesurfaces to which they are applied. Another approach employs single use,disposable layers on high touch surfaces. These disposable layers causeunnecessary waste and require user interaction for them to be effective.

Another approach to disinfect high touch surfaces employs disinfecting,internal illumination systems that transmit ultraviolet (UV) lightthrough a high touch surface. UV light is harmful to humans, so thelight must be off during human use. Accordingly, these systems typicallyrequire complex controls to prevent harmful, direct exposure to humans.

Many products exist that illuminate an enclosed area with disinfectingwavelengths of light, usually UV, thus disinfecting any object placedinside the enclosed area. Objects such as dental devices, electronics,pacifiers, sports equipment, etc., may be disinfected using this method.Enclosed disinfection only provides intermittent disinfection. Theobject placed within the disinfecting light enclosure is disinfected forthe period of time it is exposed, but as soon as it exits and comes backinto contact with a user, it is susceptible to harboring bacteria andspreading illness. If the enclosed disinfection is performed withultraviolet light on an object containing plastic, there is thepossibility the plastic may be degraded. Other products are availablethat illuminate entire rooms to disinfect as part of generalillumination systems, e.g., using controlled UV light or white lightwith a certain proportion of disinfecting light therein. These systemsmay be inadequate for a high touch surface that is not in a locationcapable of or configured for being exposed to general illumination.

Other challenges for providing disinfection to high touch surfacesinclude creating a disinfection system for surfaces having irregularshapes, or for pre-existing surfaces and/or objects not originallyintended to have such a disinfection system associated therewith.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses described herein provide a lightemitting device and/or cover which inactivates microorganisms, and maybe used to create or cover a high touch surface. An example lightemitting device may include a flexible light emitting layer emitting alight; and a transparent or translucent layer over the flexible lightemitting layer. The light travels through and exits an exterior surfaceof the transparent or translucent layer, creating an exiting light. Atleast a portion of the exiting light exiting the transparent ortranslucent layer may have a wavelength in a range of 380 to 420nanometers (nm) e.g., 405 nm, and may disinfect the exterior surface ofthe transparent or translucent layer. The light emitting device may beused alone to create a self-disinfecting high touch surface, e.g., on adoor, or may be shaped to mate with other structures to create adisinfecting high touch surface, e.g., a rigid transparent conduit. Amethod of producing the light emitting device is also described herein.

An example light emitting cover may include a body having an interiorconfigured to cover at least a portion of the high touch surface and anexterior surface configured to be disinfected. The exterior surface ofthe cover replaces the high touch surface. At least an exterior portionof the body is transparent or translucent such that light may traveltherethrough to the exterior, touch surface. A light emitter is operablycoupled to the body for emitting a light through the exterior surface.In contrast to conventional systems that employ ultraviolet (UV) light,at least a portion of the light exiting the exterior surface may have awavelength in a range of 380 to 420 nanometers (nm), e.g., 405 nm, andmay disinfect the exterior surface.

The wavelengths described above may inactivate microorganisms such asbut not limited to: Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella,Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), ClostridiumDifficile, and a wide variety of yeasts and/or fungi.

Referring to the drawings, examples of a light emitting device whichinactivates microorganisms are illustrated. FIG. 1 shows a perspectiveview, and FIG. 2 shows a side view, of one example light emitting device100 (hereinafter “device 100”). Device 100 may generally include aflexible light emitting layer 110 emitting a light 112, and atransparent or translucent layer 114 over flexible light emitting layer110. Flexible light emitting layer 110 may include any now known orlater developed light emitting element(s) capable of being flexed orbent into a desired position. In some examples, such as that shown inFIG. 2, flexible emitting layer 110 may include a flexible substrate 116and one or more light emitting elements 118 therein or thereon. Flexiblesubstrate 116 may include, for example, a flexible printed circuit boardincluding the one or more discrete light emitters 118 thereon. Eachlight emitting element 118 may include an LED(s). Where desired, eachlight emitting element 118 may include a flexible LED(s). In someexamples, flexible light emitting layer 110 may include anelectroluminescent panel, and in some examples, flexible light emittinglayer 110 may include an organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer.Flexible light emitting layer 110 may include any number of actualemitters necessary to disinfect exterior surface 120 and create thedesired color, intensity, irradiance, etc.

Transparent or translucent layer 114 (hereinafter “TT layer 114”) ispositioned over flexible light emitting layer 110. That is, TT layer 114is coupled over and to flexible light emitting layer 110. As usedherein, “transparent” or “translucent” may indicate any level of lighttransmission short of opaque. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, flexible lightemitting layer 110 may be flush to TT layer 114, e.g., surface tosurface. Light 112 from light emitting layer 110 may travel through andexit an exterior surface 120 of TT layer 114, creating an exiting light122. A portion of exterior surface 120 (not shown) may not betransparent or translucent. As used herein, “flexible” may indicate acapability of being formed into alternative shapes, e.g., forming, froma flat original shape, an arc having a minimum angle α of approximately120 degrees and a minimum bend radius (r) of approximately 0.3 inchesbent on any axis falling on the plane of the flexible light emitter forhandle applications (see FIG. 3A). A larger radius of flexibility may besufficient for non-handle applications, e.g., a bend radius of 1.0inches. Other levels of flexibility may also be possible depending onapplication.

At least a portion of the exiting light 122 (arrows) exiting TT layer114 may have a wavelength in a range of approximately 380 toapproximately 420 nanometers (nm). This wavelength of light mayinactivate microorganisms such as but not limited to: Escherichia coli(E. coli), Salmonella, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus(MRSA), Clostridium Difficile, and a wide variety of yeasts and/orfungi. In some examples, exiting light 122 may have at least a portionthereof at a wavelength of 405 nm. Exiting light 122 may disinfectexterior surface 120 of TT layer 114. Exiting light 122 may have anyirradiance or intensity sufficient to disinfect exterior surface 120,which may vary depending on, for example: the type of material of TTlayer 114, the level of microorganisms thereon, the extent of touching(e.g., low level bedroom door handle versus high level grocery carthandle), the type of application, etc.

In some examples, disinfecting light includes light with a disinfectingdosage sufficient to stop, decrease, impede, or eliminate bacteriaand/or bacteria population growth. In some examples, the disinfectingdosage may be characterized in terms of irradiance or instantaneousenergy with units such as, for example, milliwatts per centimetersquared (mW/cm²). In some such examples, the disinfecting dosage mayhave a minimum irradiance threshold at or around 0.01 mW/cm². In someexamples, the disinfecting dosage may be characterized in terms ofradiant exposure with units such as, for example, Joules per centimetersquared (J/cm²).

In some examples, exiting light 122 may have an irradiance of at least0.01 or 0.02 mW/cm², e.g., from all or at least part of exterior surface120. Light 112 emitted from flexible light emitting layer 110 and/orexiting light 122 may have any color desired, so long as sufficientlight to disinfect in the 380-420 nm range is present therein. As willbe described herein, exiting light 122 may be solely between 380 to 420nm wavelength light. Alternatively, exiting light 122 may include or beconverted to include at least one additional portion of light above 420nanometers to create disinfecting light of another color, such as whitelight.

Flexible light emitting layer 110 may emit light 112 that is the same asexiting light 122 that exits exterior surface 120 of TT layer 114 (e.g.,the TT layer 114 may not change the wavelength of light 112). In oneexample, exiting light 122 may include light exclusively in the range of380 to 420 nanometers. Alternatively, flexible light emitting layer 110may be controlled to emit a variety of other different wavelengths andcolors, but including some portion that is in the range of 380 to 420nanometers sufficient to disinfect exterior surface 120. Any color orintensity may be achieved in this manner, e.g., to match a color of astructure to which device is attached.

In some examples, light 112 may be converted at some point during itstravel prior to exiting exterior surface 120 as exiting light 122 tocreate disinfecting light of another color such as white light. Forexample, light 112 may be converted to a white light having a portionthereof with the wavelength in the range of 380 to 420 nanometers, butalso other wavelengths of light, e.g., 450-500 nm and 550-700 nm, tocreate the white light. For example, 450-500 nm light may be producedusing blue phosphors and 550-700 nm light may be produced using nitridephosphors. Other colors of light may also be generated in this manner.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 3B, TT layer 114 may include alight-converting layer(s) 130 through which light 112 may travel toconvert another portion of light 112 to a wavelength(s) different fromthe wavelength of light 112 emitted from flexible light emitting layer110. In some examples, the light-converting layer 130 may be embedded inTT layer 114 near exterior surface 120. In some examples, thelight-converting layer 130 may be an additional layer over or under theTT layer 114. The light-converting layer 130 may be located anywherealong a path of light 112. Light-converting layer 130 may include anynow known or later developed layer(s) for converting all or certainportion(s) of light 112 to different wavelengths. In some examples,light-converting layer 130 may include at least one phosphor, at leastone optical brightener and/or at least one quantum dot. Light-convertinglayer 130 may tune light 122 to, for example, alter a color tint ofexterior surface 120 or the color tint of the material directlysurrounding each of light emitters 118, etc., internal to device 100.Light-converting layer 130 may be segmented across the layer's surfaceto convert light 112 to two or more different wavelengths, e.g., onesegment to allow some of light 112 to pass unconverted, another segmentto convert some of light 112 to another wavelength, and another segmentto convert some of light 112 to yet another wavelength. In any event,exiting light 122 may be customized to provide disinfection and adesired color. In one non-limiting example, exiting light 122 may have acolor rendering index (CRI) value of at least 70, a correlated colortemperature (CCT) between approximately 2,500 K and 5,000 K and/or aproportion of spectral energy measured in the 380 nm to 420 nmwavelength range, wherein the proportion of spectral energy may rangebetween 10% and 44%.

As further described herein, device 100 may be used to cover at least aportion of a high touch surface of a structure. The type of structure towhich it may be applied may be based, at least in part, on the form ofTT layer 114. In some examples, TT layer 114 may be flexible. TT layer114 may include any now known or later developed flexible transparent ortranslucent material such as a clear plastic, rubber, flexible glass,etc. Device 100 may be applied to any touch surface regardless ofsurface shape thereof. Device 100 may be flexed or bent to cover anyirregularly shaped surface. Device 100 may include a back surface 134 onflexible light emitting layer 110. The back surface 134 may be coupledto a high touch surface 136 via adhesive, fasteners, or othermechanically coupling features. Structure 138 may include high touchsurface 136 and may be practically any object, surface, or thing. In theillustrated example of FIG. 4 device 100 may be shaped to comport withthe shape of a surface 140 of structure 138 to which it is attached.Other example structures 138 for which device 100 alone may bebeneficial may include any sort of handle grasped by users, e.g., a doorhandle, refrigerator handle, etc. Device 100 may be wrapped around, forexample, a rounded (e.g., ovular, circular, etc.) structure. Becauseexterior surface 120 of TT layer 114 may be configured to be disinfectedby exiting light 122, device 100 may provide a disinfected high touchsurface replacement. That is, exterior surface 120 may replace hightouch surface 136 as the outside part or layer of structure 138 to whichdevice 100 is coupled.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, another example device 100 covering at leasta portion of a high touch surface 136 of structure 138, is shown. InFIGS. 5 and 6, structure 138 may include a door, and high touch surface136 may be a side of the door. Here, TT layer 114 may be flexible orrigid. In examples where TT layer 114 is rigid, device 100 may be arigid structure, e.g., planar, L-shaped, C-shaped or another rigidstructure. In FIGS. 5 and 6, TT layer 114 is planar and may be flexibleor rigid. In FIG. 7, TT layer 114 and thus device 100 may be L-shapedand extend about a corner 212 of structure 115. In this latter example,TT layer 114 and device 100 may be flexible or rigid.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 7, the device 100 may cover structure115. Examples of using the device 100 for covering objects is furtherdescribed with reference to FIGS. 24-39. In FIG. 7, the example device100 may include an angled body 210 covering the corner 212 of thestructure 115. The example device 100 may include a flexible lightemitter 220 coupled to interior 112 and facing exterior surface 116.Flexible light emitter 220 may include any now known or later developedlight emitting element(s) capable of being flexed or bent into a desiredposition. In the illustrated example of FIG. 7, the flexible lightemitter 220 may include a flexible substrate 240 and one or more lightemitting elements 242 therein or thereon. The example flexible substrate240 may include, for example, a flexible printed circuit including theone or more light emitters 242 mounted thereon. Each light emittingelement 242 may include one or more LED(s). Where desired, each lightemitting element 242 may include one or more flexible LED(s). Flexiblelight emitter 220 may include an electroluminescent panel and/or lightemitter 220 may include an organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer.

In some examples, as shown in FIG. 8, TT layer 114 may be a conduit 150having an elongated hollow interior 152. Here, flexible light emittinglayer 110 may be positioned within conduit 150. TT layer 114 and thusconduit 150 may be rigid, e.g., of clear acrylic or diffusepolycarbonate plastic. In FIG. 8, interior surface 154 of rigidtransparent or translucent tube 114 may have the same cross-sectionalshape as exterior surface 120 of thereof. In some examples, the conduit150 may have an exterior surface 120 and an interior surface 154 thatare substantially cylindrical (e.g., conduit 150 is a tube). Othercross-sectional shapes may be possible. FIG. 9 shows a cross-section ofanother TT layer 114 that is a conduit, but may have an interior surface154 of the conduit having a different cross-sectional shape thanexterior surface 120 of the conduit. For example, the interior surface154 may be cylindrical, having a circular cross-section, and theexterior surface 120 may have a hexagonal cross-section 156. Anyexterior surface 120 configuration is possible. Flexible light emittinglayer 110 may be coupled to interior surface 154 of rigid transparent ortranslucent conduit 150. Flexible light emitting layer 110 may be flushto interior surface 154 of rigid translucent or transparent conduit 150.

Returning to FIG. 1, some examples of device 100 may also include acontrol system 160. Control system 160 may be operatively coupled toflexible light emitting layer 110 and may be operative to controloperational features of flexible light emitting layer 110 such as butnot limited to: a duration of illumination, exiting light 122 color,light intensity, and/or light irradiance. Control system 160 may includeany now known or later developed microcontroller. Device 100 may alsoinclude at least one sensor 162 coupled to control system 160 to providefeedback to control system 160. Sensor(s) 162 may sense any parameter ofthe control environment of device 100, including but not limited to:touch of device 100, heat of a user's hand on device 100, motion of auser, motion of structure 138 to which device 100 is coupled,temperature, light reception, and/or presence of microorganisms onexterior surface 120, etc. Sensor(s) 162 may include any now known orlater developed sensing devices for the desired parameter(s). Controlsystem 160 with (and without) sensor(s) may control operation to becontinuous or intermittent based on external stimulus, and depending onthe application. In one example, sensor(s) 162 may detect heat/humantouch, motion, or light. Sensor(s) 162 may send the detected informationto control system 160, which makes decisions on exiting light 122 beingemitted through device 100, such as the color, intensity, or duration ofdisinfecting lighting. An example of this type of control may include ahuman touching a door (e.g., FIG. 6) that was previously illuminatedwith 405 nanometer light, once device 100 is touched, the sensor maydetect that touch and may send information to control system 160, whichmay then make the decision to turn device 100 to disinfecting whitelight illumination while in use.

Device 100 may be powered through the use of batteries or rechargeablebatteries mounted in proximity to the cover. Where rechargeablebatteries are employed, they may be recharged, for example, using ACpower or solar panels (not shown), where sufficient sunlight isavailable. Alternatively, device 100 may be provided with electricalconnectors for hardwiring into AC power for applications where this ispossible, such as in non-portable products like door handles or handrailings (e.g., FIGS. 5-6). Wireless or inductive charging may similarlycharge or power device 100.

FIGS. 10-13 show various non-limiting applications for device 100. FIG.10 shows the device applied to a glass top table; FIG. 11 shows thedevice applied to a handrail of an escalator; FIG. 12 shows the deviceapplied to a toilet seat; and FIG. 13 shows the device 100 applied to astair handrail. A wide variety of other applications are possible.

Device 100 may provide a number of advantages. Device 100 may beconfigured to fit over practically any existing surface, whicheliminates the need to redesign entire products in order to integratethe internally illuminated disinfecting technology into the product.Further, through the use of disinfecting wavelengths between 380-420 nm,e.g., 405 nm light, and prolonged exposure, device 100 has been found toeffectively reduce the levels of microorganisms on a surface, such asbacteria, yeasts, and fungi. Since the germicidal wavelength rangedisclosed falls within visible light, unlike UV light, it is safe forcontinuous use around humans and animals, and the exterior surfacesbeing internally illuminated by these wavelengths may receive continuousdisinfection, eliminating intermittent off periods where harmfulmicroorganisms may grow and increase in volume. This ability isbeneficial since high touch surfaces are typically constantly contactedby multiple humans and need to be disinfected continuously to create asafe environment. Because device 100 may conform to any shape, it may beapplied to practically any surface, such as hand railings and doorhandles. For example, any planar high touch surface, either of flat orunequal elevation, may be retrofitted with an internally illuminateddisinfecting surface device 100. Device 100 may also be appliedanywhere, even where shadows would normally prevent disinfecting lightfrom reaching a surface. The light wavelengths described herein also donot degrade materials, e.g., plastics, with which it comes into contact.

Referring to FIGS. 14-21, and again FIGS. 8 and 9, a method forproducing a light emitting device 100 is illustrated. Conduit 150 may betubular, as in FIG. 8, or may have other exterior surfacecross-sections, as in FIG. 9. Interior surface 154 of conduit 150 isshown as cylindrical, but it may vary from cylindrical depending on thedegree of flexibility of flexible light emitting layer 110 and itsability to comport with interior surface 154.

As shown in FIG. 14, the method may include supporting flexible lightemitting layer 110, e.g., on a surface. The supporting may be on any nowknown or later developed planar support 168, e.g., a table top,manufacturing platen, etc. Flexible light emitting layer 110 may have afirst end 170 and a second end 172, and an exterior surface 174 (bottomsurface as shown, with back surface 134 up). A cylindrical mandrel 180or 190 may be provided upon which flexible light emitting layer 110 willbe rolled. In some examples, cylindrical mandrel 180 may includeopenings 182 in a surface thereof for applying pressure to flexiblelight emitting layer 110, e.g., inward vacuum or outward pressure. Asshown in FIG. 15, cylindrical mandrel 180 may include any necessaryinternal channels and/or pressure lines 184, pumps/vacuums and controlsystems to control the pressure applied via openings 182. Cylindricalmandrel 190 may include a surface 192 upon which an adhesive may beapplied for adhering to flexible light emitting element 110.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show linearly advancing and rotating cylindrical mandrel180 or 190, respectively, in contact with flexible light emitting layer110 while adhering at least a portion of cylindrical mandrel 180 or 190to flexible light emitting layer 110 to cause flexible light emittinglayer 110 to roll onto cylindrical mandrel 180 or 190. In FIG. 16, theadhering may include applying a vacuum across at least a portion ofcylindrical mandrel 180, via openings 182, to cause flexible lightemitting layer 110 to roll onto cylindrical mandrel 180. In FIG. 17, theadhering may include using adhesive or sealant on at least a portion ofsurface 192 of cylindrical mandrel 190 to cause the flexible lightemitting layer to roll onto cylindrical mandrel 190. Where adhesive isemployed, it may be temporary. In this case, the temporary adhesive forattaching flexible light emitting layer 110 to cylindrical mandrel 180may last only as long as flexible light emitting layer 110 is requiredto be adhered to the mandrel from the time flexible light emitting layer110 is picked up by the mandrel to when it is in its final resting placewithin conduit 150. At that time, the temporary adhesive may un-adhere,wear off, or otherwise release, to allow the mandrel to be retractedfrom the conduit, if the mandrel is not maintained within conduit as aheat sink or support. The temporary adhesive may be treated in somefashion to cause it to un-adhere, wear off, or otherwise release, e.g.,with heat. Other mechanism to cause flexible light emitting layer 110 toadhere to cylindrical mandrel 180 may also be possible, e.g.,electrostatics, magnetism, etc. Once rolled onto cylindrical mandrel190, flexible light emitting layer 110 has a conduit form.

As an alternative at this stage, and as shown in FIG. 18, at least oneof an adhesive and a sealant 194 may be applied to exterior surface 174of flexible light emitting layer 110, e.g., prior to placing flexiblelight emitting layer 110 in conduit form into rigid transparent ortranslucent conduit 150.

FIG. 18 also shows placing flexible light emitting layer 110 in theconduit form into a rigid transparent or translucent conduit 150 (in thedirection of the arrow) to form light emitting device 100 (FIGS. 8, 9and 19). The placing may include inserting mandrel 180, 190 withflexible light emitting layer 110 thereon into elongated hollow interior152 of transparent or translucent conduit 150. Interior surface 154 mayhave a size, e.g., diameter or cross-sectional area, configured toreceive mandrel 180 or 190 with flexible light emitting layer 110thereon.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, coupling exterior surface 174 of flexiblelight emitting layer 110 to interior surface 154 of rigid transparent ortranslucent conduit 150 may be performed next. As shown in FIG. 19,where the adhering includes applying a vacuum across at least a portionof cylindrical mandrel 180 to cause flexible light emitting layer 110 toroll onto the cylindrical mandrel (as in FIG. 16), the coupling mayinclude releasing the vacuum and allowing flexible light emitting layer110 to expand into and comport to interior surface 154 of rigidtransparent or translucent conduit 150. This process relies on theflexibility of flexible light emitting layer 110 to be sufficientlystrong to force the layer 110 to comport to interior surface 154. Whenunfurled, flexible light emitting layer 110 will allow light 112 totravel into rigid transparent or translucent conduit 150, regardless ofthe latter's exterior surface shape. A length of flexible light emittinglayer 110 may be configured to ensure none of, or only desired portionsof, interior surface 154 of conduit 150 is not covered by layer 110. Inthe illustrated example of FIG. 19, first and second ends 170, 172 maybe angled to overlap and slidably engage to ensure layer 110sufficiently covers the interior surface 154 of conduit 150.Alternatively, as shown in the example of FIGS. 20 and 21, the couplingmay further include applying a pressure 196 across at least a portion ofan interior surface (back surface 134) of flexible light emitting layer110 using cylindrical mandrel 180 or 190 to force exterior surface 174of flexible light emitting layer 110 to comport with interior surface154 of rigid transparent or translucent conduit 150. As shown in FIG.20, pressure 196 may be applied via openings 182 in mandrel 180.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 21, pressure 196 may be applied bymoving mandrel 180 or 190 within flexible light emitting layer 110.Pressure 196, as applied in FIG. 21, may also act to un-adhere flexiblelight emitting layer 110 from mandrel 190, where adhesive (FIGS. 14, 17)is employed.

In some examples, cylindrical mandrel 180, 190 may be removed, leavingan interior of flexible light emitting layer 110 in the conduit formempty. This may, for example, allow air to cool layer 110.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 19, cylindrical mandrel 180, 190 may beleft in flexible light emitting layer 110. In this case, mandrel 180,190 may provide support and/or act as a heat sink. While particularsequences of steps have been shown relative to the figures, it isunderstood that various steps may be switched between examples and thesequences altered between examples.

Referring to FIG. 22, a perspective view of another application of lightemitting device 100 is illustrated. In the illustrated example, lightemitting device 100 may be coupled to a transparent or translucentmember 200 such as a (rigid) hand rail. Here, light emitting device 100may also include a terminal light emitter 202 to transmit exiting light122 out a terminal end 204 of transparent or translucent member 200.Terminal end 204 may be any structure that terminates or ends member202, e.g., a terminus or capped end of a hand rail or handle. Terminalend 204 may take any shape, e.g., cylindrical, bulbous, etc., and may betransparent or translucent similar to member 202. Terminal light emitter202 may take any light emitter form capable of emitting light outterminal end 204, e.g., LEDs, LEDs with light-converting layer(s),laser, etc., and may be shaped to fit within member 202 or at an endthereof such that light may emit out through terminal end 204. Terminallight emitter 202 may emit exiting light 122 that is identical to thatdescribed herein. Thus, terminal end 204 may have the same color as themember 202, and/or may have its exterior surface disinfected where suchlight is created by terminal light emitter 202.

FIGS. 23A-23B illustrate an example light emitting device 2300. Theexample light emitting device 2300 may be attached to a structure (notshown) via one or more endcaps 2302. The example light emitting device2300 may comprise a flexible light emitting layer 2304, a translucenttubular layer 2306, and an internal cylinder 2308 (e.g., a mandrel)(FIG. 23B). The example flexible light emitting layer 2304 may not beflush with the translucent (or transparent) tubular layer 2306.

As shown in FIG. 23B, the example flexible light emitting layer 2304 maybe wrapped around the internal cylinder 2308. The flexible lightemitting layer 2304 may be adhered or mechanically fastened to theinternal cylinder 2308. In some examples, the internal cylinder 2308 mayact as a heat sink. For example, the internal cylinder 2308 may comprisea heat conductive material such as, for example, metal (e.g., aluminum)and/or plastic. In some examples, the translucent tubular layer 2306 maynot contact the internal cylinder 2308. In some examples, the internalcylinder 2308 may have a smaller diameter than the translucent tubularlayer 2306, such that the flexible light emitting layer 2304 may beoffset from the translucent tubular layer 2306 (e.g., by 0.01 or 0.02inches). In some examples, the flexible light emitting layer 2304 may bewrapped around the internal cylinder 2308, and the translucent tubularlayer 2306 may be flush against the flexible light emitting layer 2304.

In some examples, the flexible light emitting layer 2304 may comprise aflexible printed circuit board comprising one or more disinfecting LEDs.In some examples, the internal cylinder 2308 may be held in place by theone or more endcaps 2302. The internal cylinder 2308 may be solid, ahollow tube, or rectangular, square, ellipses, or circular incross-section. The internal cylinder 2308 may have a differentcross-section (e.g., shape, size, etc.) than the translucent tubularlayer 2306.

In some examples, a light emitting cover may inactivate microorganismsand may be configured to cover at least a portion of a high touchsurface. FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of an example light emittingcover 2400 (hereinafter “cover 2400”). Cover 2400 may include a body2410 having an interior 2412 configured to cover at least a portion of ahigh touch surface 2414 of an associated structure 2415. Interior 2412may include a surface and/or other structure necessary to mate with orotherwise conceal high touch surface 2414. Structure 2415 includes hightouch surface 2414 and may be practically any object, surface, or thing.One example structure 2415 for which cover 2400 is beneficial is anysort of handle grasped by users, e.g., a door handle, refrigeratorhandle, etc.

Body 2410 may also include an exterior surface 2416 configured to bedisinfected. Exterior surface 2416 replaces high touch surface 2414 asthe outside part or layer of structure 2415 to which cover 2400 iscoupled. At least an exterior portion 2418 of body 2410 may betransparent or translucent. That is, at least an exterior portion 2418of body 2410, immediately within or near exterior surface 2416, may betransparent or translucent such that light may travel therethrough andexit exterior surface 4216. As used herein, “transparent” or“translucent” indicate any level of light transmission short of opaque.A portion of body 2410 (not shown) through which light 2424 transmissionmay not necessarily be transparent or translucent. Body 2410 may be madeof any material capable of having exterior portion 2418 transparent ortranslucent, e.g., clear polymer, rubber, glass, etc.

Cover 2400 also includes a light emitter 2420 operably coupled to body2410 for emitting a light 2422 (arrows) (hereinafter “exiting light2422”) through exterior surface 2416. Exiting light 2422 exitingexterior surface 2416 may have at least a portion thereof having awavelength in a range of approximately 380 to approximately 420nanometers (nm). This wavelength of light may kill microorganisms onsurfaces. Exiting light 2422 may have at least a portion thereof at awavelength of 405 nm. Exiting light 2422 may be solely of 380 to 420 nm,exiting light 2422 may be converted to different wavelengths, and/orexiting light 2422 may be combined with different light emitters withdifferent wavelengths and/or with variable wavelengths, to createdisinfecting light of another color such as white light. Exiting light2422 may have any irradiance or intensity sufficient to disinfectexterior surface 2416 that may be touched, which may vary depending on,for example: the type of material of body 2410, the level ofmicroorganisms thereon, the extent of touching (e.g., low level bedroomdoor handle versus high level grocery cart handle), the type ofapplication, etc. Exiting light 2422 may have an irradiance of no lessthan 0.01 mW/cm², e.g., from all or at least part of exterior surface2416.

Light emitter 2420 may take a variety of forms. In illustrated exampleof FIG. 24, light emitter 2420 may be operative to direct light 2424(prior to exiting light 2422 exiting exterior surface 2416) into body2410 and out exterior surface 2416. In FIG. 24, light emitter 2420 emitslight through an edge 2426 of body 2410 between interior 2412 andexterior surfaces 2416. Edge lighting may be beneficial because fewerlight emitters, such as LEDs, may be needed. Edge lighting may also beconsidered more aesthetically pleasing because individual light sourcepoints cannot be seen along cover 2400, instead a uniform light is seen.Light emitter 2420 may include any form of light emission elementcapable of creating the desired wavelength of light and introducing itto body 2410. Light emitter 2420 may include one or more light emittingdiodes (LEDs) 2430. LEDs 2430 may be coupled to edge 2426 via a separatestructure or fixedly coupled to edge 2426. Alternatively, LEDs 2430 maybe embedded within body 2410. As shown in FIG. 24, cover 2400 mayinclude a waveguide(s) 2432 within body 2410 for directing the light2424 to exterior surface 2416, and out as exiting light 2422.Waveguide(s) 2432 may include any now known or later developed opticaldevice for directing, confining or conveying light waves. For example,instead of electroluminescent wire, waveguide(s) 2432 may include fiberoptic diffuser elements bonded within exterior surface 2416, andilluminated by lasers to provide illumination to through exteriorsurface. Light 2424 and/or exiting light 2422 may have any colordesired, so long as sufficient light to disinfect in the 380-420 nmrange is present therein.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, light emitter 2420 may be embedded withinbody 2410 between interior 2412 and exterior surface 2416. In FIG. 25,light emitter 2420 may include LEDs 2544 embedded near an end of body2410, and in FIG. 26, light emitter 2420 may include electroluminescentwire(s) 2646 that extend at least a portion of body 2410. Light emitter2420 may include any number of actual emitters necessary to disinfectexterior surface 2416 and create the desired color, intensity,irradiance, etc.

Light emitter 2420 may emit light 2424 that may be the same as thatwhich exits exterior surface 2416. In one example, exiting light 2422may include exclusively light having the wavelength in the range of 380to 420 nanometers. Alternatively, light emitter 2420 may be controlledto emit a variety of other different wavelengths and colors, butincluding some portion that is in the range of 380 to 420 nanometerssufficient to disinfect exterior surface 2416. Any color or intensitymay be achieved in this manner, e.g., to match a color of structure2415. Alternatively, light 2424 may be converted at some point duringits travel prior to exiting exterior surface 2416 as exiting light 2422.For example, light 2424 may be converted to a white light having aportion thereof with the wavelength in the range of 380 to 420nanometers, but also other wavelengths of light, e.g., 450-500 nm and550-700 nm, to create the white light. For example, 450-500 nm light maybe produced using blue phosphors and 550-700 nm light may be producedusing nitride phosphors. Other colors of light may also be generated inthis manner.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 27, body 2410 may include alight-converting layer 2450 through which light 2424 travels to converta portion of the light to a wavelength(s) different from the wavelengthof the light 2424 emitted from light emitter 2420. In FIG. 27,light-converting layer 2450 is embedded in body 2410 near exteriorsurface 2416; however, it may be located anywhere along a path of light2424. Light-converting layer 2450 may include any now known or laterdeveloped layer(s) for converting all or certain portion(s) of light2424 to different wavelengths. Light-converting layer 2450 may includeat least one phosphor, at least one optical brightener and/or at leastone quantum dot. Light-converting layer 2450 may tune light 2422 to, forexample, alter a color tint of exterior surface 2416 or the color tintof the material directly surrounding each of light emitters 2430, 2646,etc., internal to cover 2400. Light-converting layer 2450 may besegmented across the layer's surface to convert light 2424 to two ormore different wavelengths, e.g., one segment to allow some of light2424 to pass unconverted, another segment to convert some of light 2424to another wavelength, and another segment to convert some of light 2424to yet another wavelength. In any event, light 2422 may be customized toprovide disinfection and a desired color. In one non-limiting example,light 2422 may have a color rendering index (CRI) value of at least 70,a correlated color temperature (CCT) between approximately 2,500 K and5,000 K and/or a proportion of spectral energy measured in the 380 nm to420 nm wavelength range between 10% and 44%.

With further regard to body 2410, the body may take any form necessaryto allow it to cover the desired portions or all of a respective hightouch surface 2414. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 24-26, cover2400 may comprise a “C”-shape, e.g., to cover a rounded or partiallyrounded high touch surface 2414. In some examples, body 2410 may beflexible to allow a snap-fit of interior 2412 onto high touch surface2414. In this form, body 2410 may be readily mounted to a round hightouch surface 2414 such as those on a handle 2458 of a wheelchair 2460,as shown in FIG. 28, or a grocery cart handle 2462, as shown in FIGS. 29and 30. Here, interior 2412 may be shaped to mate with high touchsurface 2414, e.g., match an exterior surface of structure 2415. Inaddition to the snap fit or in replacement thereof, fasteners (such asmechanical fasteners 168 shown and described with reference to FIG. 7)or adhesives may be employed through or over body 2410. In theillustrated example of FIG. 31, body 2410 may be tubular and is shapedto mate with high touch surface 2414, e.g., matches a cylindricalsurface. In some examples, the body 2410 may merely be wrapped around asurface. In FIG. 31, structure 2415 may include a cylindrical supportpole 2470 of an intravenous (IV) bag stand. Body 2410 may be a unitarypiece that slides over structure 2415. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 32, body 2410 may include at least two arcuate members 2472, 2474configured to be coupled to form a circular cross-section body. Anynumber of arcuate members may be employed and they may be coupled usingany now known or later developed fastener 2478, e.g., male/femalelatches, hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, etc.FIG. 33 shows another application of cover 2400 on a handle 2480 of ahospital bed 2482. FIG. 34 shows another application of cover 2400 on ageneric handle 2484, e.g., for a desk drawer or cabinet. FIG. 35 showsanother application of cover 2400 on a non-round handle 2486. Here,interior 2412 of cover 2400 is shaped to mate with non-round handle2486. While exterior surface 2416 is shown in a non-round profile inFIG. 35, it does not necessarily have to match the handle. In someexamples, cover 2400 may not need to have exterior surface 2416 matchthe profile shape of high touch surface 2414.

Returning to FIG. 24, some examples of cover 2400 may also include acontrol system 2490. Control system 2490 may be operatively coupled tolight emitter 2420 and may be operative to control operational featuresof light emitter 2420 such as but not limited to: a duration ofillumination, exiting light 2422 color, light intensity, and/or lightirradiance. Control system 2490 may include any now known or laterdeveloped microcontroller, including a processor, an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) and the like and/or combinationsthereof. Cover 2400 may also include at least one sensor 2492 coupled tocontrol system 2490 to provide feedback to control system 2490.Sensor(s) 2492 may sense any parameter of the control environment ofcover 2400, including but not limited to: touch of cover 2400, heat of auser's hand on cover 2400, motion of a user, motion of structure 2415 towhich cover 2400 is coupled, temperature, light reception, and/orpresence of microorganisms on exterior surface 2416, etc. Sensor(s) mayinclude any now known or later developed sensing devices for the desiredparameter(s). Control system 2490 with sensor(s) (and without) maycontrol operation to be continuous or intermittent based on externalstimulus, and depending on the application. In one example, sensor(s)2492 could detect heat/human touch, motion, or light. Sensor(s) 2492 maysend the detected information to control system 2490, which may makedecisions on exiting light 2422 being emitted through cover 2400, suchas the color, intensity, or duration of disinfecting lighting. Anexample of this type of control may include a human touching a shoppingcart handle (e.g., FIGS. 29 and 30) that was previously illuminated with405 nanometer light. For example, once cover 2400 is touched, the sensormay detect that touch and send information to control system 2490, whichthen may make the decision to turn cover 2400 to disinfecting whitelight illumination while in use.

Cover 2400 may be powered through the use of batteries or rechargeablebatteries mounted in proximity to the cover. Where rechargeablebatteries are employed, they may be recharged, for example, using ACpower or perhaps solar panels, where sufficient sunlight is available.Alternatively, cover 2400 may be provided with electrical connectors(not shown) for hardwiring into AC or DC power for applications wherethis is possible, such as in non-portable products like door handles(e.g., FIG. 35). Wireless or inductive charging may similarly charge orpower cover 2400.

FIGS. 36-39 illustrate a flexible cover 3600 comprising a translucentlayer 3602 and a flexible light emitting layer 3604. In some examples,the translucent layer 3602 may be cast around a flexible light emittinglayer 3604. In some examples, the flexible light emitting layer 3604 maybe a flexible printed circuit board comprising one or more LED(s). Thetranslucent layer 3602 may be molded around the flexible light emittinglayer 3604 in a liquid or semi-liquid state, and may cure over athreshold amount of time. In some examples, the translucent layer 3602may be rigid or flexible when cured and may be cast in any shape and/orsize. In some examples, the translucent layer 3602 may comprise rubber,silicone, urethane, polysulfide, or any equivalents or combinationsthereof. In some examples, when cured, the translucent layer 3602 maycomprise a “hardness” on a Shore Hardness Scale between Shore A 10 andShore A 50. In some examples, when cured, the translucent layer 3602 maycomprise a “hardness” on the Shore Hardness Scale between Shore D50-Shore D 100. In some examples, the translucent layer 3602 maycomprise various levels of transparency from completely transparent toalmost opaque.

In some examples, the translucent layer 3602 may be cured in a circular(or semi-circular) cross-section, as illustrated in FIG. 37. A flexiblelight emitter layer 3604 may be similarly flexible with respect to thetranslucent layer 3602 so that the flexible cover 3600 may conform to avariety of different shapes. In some examples, the flexible lightemitting layer 3604 may comprise one or more LEDs 3606 spaced apart suchthat the flexible light emitter layer 3604 may flex between the one ormore LEDs 3606. In some examples, the flexible light emitter layer 3604may comprise one or more flexible LED strips or layers 3608, such thatthe flexible light emitter layer 3604 may flex anywhere. The flexiblecover 3600 may comprise adhesive on one of the surfaces, enabling it toadhere to a high touch surface.

The example cover 2400 described herein may provide a number ofadvantages. For example, the cover 2400 may be configured to fit overany existing surface, which eliminates the need to redesign entireproducts in order to integrate the internally illuminated disinfectingtechnology. Further, through the use of disinfecting wavelengths between380-420 nm, e.g., 405 nm light, cover 2400 has been found to effectivelyreduce the levels of microorganisms on a surface with prolongedexposure, such as bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. Since the germicidalwavelength range disclosed falls within visible light, unlike UV light,it is safe for continuous use around humans and animals, and theexterior surfaces being internally illuminated by these wavelengths mayreceive continuous disinfection, eliminating intermittent off periodswhere harmful microorganisms may increase in volume. This ability isbeneficial since the surfaces are constantly contacted by multiplehumans and need to be disinfected continuously to create a safeenvironment. Because cover 2400 may be shaped to any shape, it may beapplied to any irregularly shape surface, such as hand railings and doorhandles. For example, any planar high touch surface, either of flat orunequal elevation, may be retrofitted with an internally illuminateddisinfecting surface cover 2400. Cover 2400 may also be appliedanywhere, even where shadows would normally prevent disinfecting lightfrom reaching a surface. The light wavelengths described herein also donot degrade materials (e.g., plastics) with which it comes into contact.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing examplesand is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein,the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include theplural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Itwill be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or“comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof. “Optional” or “optionally” means that thesubsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, andthat the description includes instances where the event occurs andinstances where it does not.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification andclaims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation thatcould permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basicfunction to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a termor terms, such as “about”, “approximately” and “substantially”, are notto be limited to the precise value specified. Values identified hereinmay be varied between +/−10% of the stated value(s) and still functionas described. In at least some instances, the approximating language maycorrespond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value.Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations maybe combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and includeall the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or languageindicates otherwise.

An example device may comprise a flexible light emitting layer emittinga light, and a transparent or translucent layer over the flexible lightemitting layer, the light traveling through and exiting an exteriorsurface of the transparent or translucent layer, creating an exitinglight, wherein the exiting light exiting the transparent or translucentlayer has at least a portion thereof having a wavelength in a range of380 to 420 nanometers, and wherein the exiting light disinfects theexterior surface of the transparent or translucent layer.

In some examples, the transparent or translucent layer is coupled to arigid structure.

In some examples, the flexible light emitting layer is coupled flush tothe translucent or transparent layer.

In some examples, the flexible light emitting layer includes a flexiblesubstrate and one or more discrete light emitting elements coupled tothe flexible substrate.

In some examples, the flexible substrate includes a flexible printedcircuit board.

In some examples, each of the one or more discrete light emittingelements includes a light emitting diode (LED).

In some examples, each of the one or more discrete light emittingelements includes a flexible LED.

In some examples, the flexible light emitting layer includes anelectroluminescent panel.

In some examples, the flexible light emitting layer includes an organiclight emitting diode (OLED).

In some examples, the exiting light includes exclusively light havingthe wavelength in the range of 380 to 420 nanometers.

In some examples, the exiting light includes at least one additionalportion of light above 420 nanometers.

In some examples, the device further comprises a light-converting layerto convert another portion of the light to a wavelength different fromthe wavelength of the at least the portion of the light emitted from theflexible light emitting layer.

In some examples, the light-converting layer includes one or more of aphosphor, an optical brightener, or a quantum dot.

In some examples, the device further comprises a control systemconfigured to control one or more of a duration of illumination, a lightcolor, a light intensity, or a light irradiance.

In some examples, the device further comprises at least one sensorcoupled to the control system. In some examples, the transparent ortranslucent layer is arranged into a conduit having an elongated hollowinterior, and the flexible light emitting layer is within the conduit.

In some examples, the transparent or translucent layer and the conduitare rigid.

In some examples, an interior surface of the conduit has a differentcross-sectional shape than an exterior surface of the conduit.

In some examples, the transparent or translucent layer is flexible.

In some examples, the exiting light has an irradiance of no less than0.01 milliWatts per square centimeter (0.01 mW/cm²).

An example device for inactivating microorganisms may comprise aflexible light emitting layer emitting a light; and a rigid transparentor translucent conduit having an elongated hollow interior, the lighttraveling through and exiting an exterior surface of the transparent ortranslucent conduit, creating an exiting light, wherein the exitinglight exiting the transparent or translucent conduit has at least aportion thereof having a wavelength in a range of 380 to 420 nanometers,and wherein the exiting light disinfects an exterior surface of thetransparent or translucent conduit.

In some examples, the flexible light emitting layer is coupled to aninterior surface of the rigid transparent or translucent conduit.

In some examples, the flexible light emitting layer emits a light havinga proportion of spectral energy measured in the 380 nm to 420 nmwavelength range between 10% and 44%.

In some examples, the interior surface of the rigid transparent ortranslucent tube has the same cross-sectional shape as the exteriorsurface of the rigid transparent or translucent tube.

In some examples, an interior surface of the rigid transparent ortranslucent conduit has a different cross-sectional shape than anexterior surface of the rigid transparent or translucent conduit. Insome examples, the flexible light emitting layer is coupled flush to aninterior surface of the rigid translucent or transparent conduit.

An example method may comprise supporting a flexible light emittinglayer, the light emitting layer having a first end and a second end, andlinearly advancing and rotating a cylindrical mandrel in contact withthe flexible light emitting layer while adhering at least a portion ofthe cylindrical mandrel to flexible light emitting layer to cause theflexible light emitting layer to roll onto the cylindrical mandrel,arranging the flexible light emitting layer into a conduit form, andplacing the flexible light emitting layer in the conduit form into arigid transparent or translucent conduit to form the light emittingdevice.

In some examples, the adhering includes applying a vacuum across atleast a portion of the cylindrical mandrel to cause the flexible lightemitting layer to roll onto the cylindrical mandrel.

In some examples, the adhering includes using an adhesive on at least aportion of the cylindrical mandrel to cause the flexible light emittinglayer to roll onto the cylindrical mandrel.

In some examples, the method further comprises coupling an exteriorsurface of the flexible light emitting layer to an interior surface ofthe rigid transparent or translucent conduit, and removing thecylindrical mandrel.

In some examples, the adhering includes applying a vacuum across atleast a portion of the cylindrical mandrel to cause the flexible lightemitting layer to roll onto the cylindrical mandrel, and wherein thecoupling includes releasing the vacuum and allowing the flexible lightemitting layer to expand into and comport to the interior surface of therigid transparent or translucent conduit.

In some examples, the coupling further includes applying a pressureacross at least a portion of an interior surface of the flexible lightemitting layer using the cylindrical mandrel to force the exteriorsurface of the flexible light emitting layer to comport with theinterior surface of the rigid transparent or translucent conduit.

In some examples, the method further comprises applying at least one ofan adhesive and a sealant to an exterior surface of the flexible lightemitting layer prior to placing the flexible light emitting layer in theconduit form into the rigid transparent or translucent conduit.

In some examples, the method further comprises coupling an exteriorsurface of the flexible light emitting layer to an interior surface ofthe rigid transparent or translucent conduit, and leaving thecylindrical mandrel.

In some examples, the adhering includes applying a vacuum across atleast a portion of the cylindrical mandrel to cause the flexible lightemitting layer to roll onto the cylindrical mandrel, and wherein thecoupling includes releasing the vacuum and allowing the flexible lightemitting layer to expand into and comport with the interior surface ofthe rigid transparent or translucent conduit.

In some examples, the coupling further includes applying a pressureacross at least a portion of an interior surface of the flexible lightemitting layer using the cylindrical mandrel to force the exteriorsurface of the flexible light emitting layer to comport with theinterior surface of the rigid transparent or translucent conduit.

In some examples, the method further comprises applying at least one ofan adhesive and a sealant to an exterior surface of the flexible lightemitting layer prior to placing the flexible light emitting layer in theconduit form into the rigid transparent or translucent conduit.

An example light emitting device that inactivates microorganisms maycomprise a flexible light emitting layer emitting a light, and atransparent or translucent layer disposed over the flexible lightemitting layer such that the light travels through and exits an exteriorsurface of the transparent or translucent layer and creates an exitinglight, wherein at least a portion of the exiting light comprises awavelength in a range of 380 to 420 nanometers and comprises a minimumirradiance sufficient to initiate inactivation of microorganisms, andwherein the exiting light disinfects the exterior surface of thetransparent or translucent layer.

In some examples, the exiting light continually disinfects the exteriorsurface of the transparent or translucent layer.

In some examples, an interior surface of the transparent or translucentlayer has the same cross-sectional shape as an exterior surface of thetransparent or translucent layer.

In some examples, the device further comprises an internal cylinder thatthe flexible light emitting layer surrounds, wherein the internalcylinder and the flexible light emitting layer are offset from aninterior surface of the translucent or transparent layer.

In some examples, the device further comprises one or more endcapscoupled to the internal cylinder and surrounding the translucent ortransparent conduit.

An example cover that inactivates microorganisms on a high touch surfacemay comprise a body having an interior configured to cover at least aportion of the high touch surface and an exterior surface configured tobe disinfected, at least an exterior portion of the body beingtransparent or translucent, and a light emitter operably coupled to thebody for emitting a light through the exterior surface, the lightexiting the exterior surface having at least a portion thereof having awavelength in a range of 380 to 420 nanometers.

In some examples, the light emitter includes a flexible light emittercoupled to the interior and facing the exterior surface.

In some examples, the flexible light emitter includes a flexiblesubstrate and one or more light emitting elements.

In some examples, the flexible substrate includes a flexible printedcircuit including the one or more light emitting elements thereon.

In some examples, each light emitting element includes a light emittingdiode (LED).

In some examples, each light emitting element includes a flexible LED.

In some examples, the flexible light emitter includes anelectroluminescent panel.

In some examples, the flexible light emitter includes an organic lightemitting diode (OLED) layer.

In some examples, the light emitter is embedded within the body betweenthe interior and the exterior surface.

In some examples, the light emitter includes one or moreelectroluminescent wires.

In some examples, the light emitter includes one or more light emittingdiodes (LEDs).

In some examples, the light emitter is operative to direct the lightinto the body and out the exterior surface.

In some examples, the light emitter emits light through an edge of thebody between the interior and exterior surfaces.

In some examples, the cover further comprises a waveguide within thebody for directing the light to the exterior surface.

In some examples, the light emitter includes one or more light emittingdiodes (LEDs).

In some examples, the body includes a light-converting layer throughwhich the light travels to convert a portion of the light to awavelength different from the wavelength of the light emitted from thelight emitter.

In some examples, the light-converting layer includes at least onephosphor.

In some examples, the light-converting layer includes at least oneoptical brightener.

In some examples, the light-converting layer includes at least onequantum dot.

In some examples, the interior is shaped to mate with the high touchsurface.

In some examples, the body is tubular and is shaped to mate with thehigh touch surface.

In some examples, the body is flexible to allow a snap-fit of theinterior onto the high touch surface.

In some examples, the interior is C-shaped.

In some examples, the body includes at least two arcuate membersconfigured to be coupled to form a circular body.

In some examples, the light includes exclusively light having thewavelength in the range of 380 to 420 nanometers.

In some examples, the flexible light emitter emits light other than thelight having the wavelength in the range of 380 to 420 nanometers.

In some examples, the cover further comprises a control systemconfigured to control at least one: a duration of illumination, lightcolor, light intensity, and light irradiance.

In some examples, the cover further comprises at least one sensorcoupled to the control system.

In some examples, the light exiting the exterior surface has anirradiance of at least 0.01 milliWatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2).

An example light emitting cover that inactivates microorganisms on ahigh touch surface may comprise a flexible body configured to surroundat least a portion of the high touch surface and comprising a surfaceconfigured to be disinfected, wherein at least a portion of the flexiblebody is transparent or translucent, and a light emitter disposed withinthe flexible body and configured to emit a light through the surface,where at least a portion of the light comprises a wavelength in a rangeof 380 to 420 nanometers and comprises a minimum irradiance sufficientto initiate inactivation of microorganisms.

In some examples, the light emitting cover may further comprise adhesivedisposed thereon for coupling the flexible body to the high touchsurface.

In some examples, the light emitter and the flexible body comprise asimilar flexibility.

An example light which inactivates microorganisms may comprise aninternal cylinder, a light emitting layer surrounding the internalcylinder and configured to emit a light, a rigid transparent ortranslucent conduit having an elongated hollow interior through whichthe light emitting layer is disposed, the light from the light emittinglayer configured to travel through and exit an exterior surface of therigid transparent or translucent conduit, creating an exiting light,wherein at least a portion of the exiting light comprises a wavelengthin a range of 380 to 420 nanometers and comprises a minimum irradiancesufficient to initiate inactivation of microorganisms, and at least oneendcap coupled to the internal cylinder and surrounding the rigidtransparent or translucent conduit.

In some examples, the internal cylinder comprises a heat sink.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light emitting system that inactivatesmicroorganisms, the light emitting system comprising: a flexible lightemitting layer emitting a light; and a waveguide layer comprising adiffuser element configured to direct the light from the flexible lightemitting layer towards an exterior surface of the waveguide layer andcreate an exiting light, and wherein the waveguide layer comprises asecond diffuser element configured to direct the light from the flexiblelight emitting layer towards the exterior surface of the waveguide layerand create the exiting light; wherein at least one portion of theexiting light comprises a wavelength in a range of 380 to 420 nanometersand comprises a minimum irradiance sufficient to initiate inactivationof microorganisms at the exterior surface; and wherein the at least oneportion of the exiting light comprises at least 20% of a total spectralenergy of the exiting light.
 2. The light emitting system of claim 1,wherein: the diffuser element comprises a fiber optic diffuser element;and the flexible light emitting layer comprises a laser configured toemit the light towards the waveguide layer.
 3. The light emitting systemof claim 1, wherein the waveguide layer is arranged into a conduit, thelight emitting system further comprising: one or more endcaps attachedto a structure and configured to support the conduit a distance from thestructure; wherein the flexible light emitting layer is disposed withinthe conduit.
 4. The light emitting system of claim 1, wherein: theflexible light emitting layer is disposed at an edge of the waveguidelayer and configured to emit the light axially within the waveguidelayer; and the diffuser element directs the light emitted from theflexible light emitting layer by redirecting the light emitted axiallywithin the waveguide layer towards the exterior surface.
 5. The lightemitting system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the exitinglight comprises a wavelength above 420 nanometers.
 6. The light emittingsystem of claim 1, wherein the waveguide layer is transparent ortranslucent.
 7. A light emitting device that inactivates microorganisms,the light emitting device comprising: a waveguide layer arranged into aconduit having an elongated hollow interior; and a flexible lightemitting layer, disposed within the elongated hollow interior; whereinthe flexible light emitting layer is configured to emit a lightcomprising a peak wavelength in a range of 380 to 420 nanometers;wherein the waveguide layer comprises at least one waveguide configuredto redirect the light incident thereon towards an exterior surface ofthe waveguide layer to form an exiting light; wherein the exiting lightcomprises a minimum irradiance sufficient to initiate inactivation ofmicroorganisms at the exterior surface; and wherein at least 20% of atotal spectral energy of the exiting light comprises a wavelength in therange of 380 to 420 nanometers.
 8. The light emitting device of claim 7,wherein the at least one waveguide comprises a fiber optic diffuserelement.
 9. The light emitting device of claim 7, wherein the flexiblelight emitting layer comprises a laser.
 10. The light emitting device ofclaim 7, further comprising an internal cylinder within the elongatedhollow interior, wherein the flexible light emitting layer is disposedon the internal cylinder.
 11. The light emitting device of claim 10,further comprising at least one endcap coupled to the internal cylinder,surrounding the waveguide layer, and configured to be attached to astructure.
 12. The light emitting device of claim 7, wherein thewaveguide layer is transparent or translucent.
 13. The light emittingdevice of claim 7, wherein the waveguide layer is rigid.
 14. A lightemitting device that inactivates microorganisms, the light emittingdevice comprising: a flexible body comprising a surface; and a lightemitting layer disposed at a first edge of the flexible body andconfigured to emit a light through the flexible body from the firstedge, substantially parallel with the surface, and towards a second edgeof the flexible body, wherein the second edge is different from thesurface; wherein the light comprises: a wavelength in a range of 380 to420 nanometers (nm); and a minimum irradiance sufficient to initiateinactivation of microorganisms on the surface; and wherein the flexiblebody further comprises a waveguide configured to redirect the light thatis emitted through the flexible body towards the surface of the flexiblebody, wherein the flexible body is transparent or translucent, andwherein the light emitting layer is a first light emitting layer and thelight is a first light, the light emitting device further comprising: asecond light emitting layer disposed on the second edge of the flexiblebody and configured to emit a second light in a direction different thanthe first light, and wherein the flexible body comprises a secondwaveguide disposed within the flexible body and configured to redirectthe second light towards the surface of the flexible body.
 15. The lightemitting device of claim 14, wherein the waveguide comprises a fiberoptic diffuser element.
 16. The light emitting device of claim 14,wherein the light emitting layer includes one or more of a laser, alight emitting diode (LED), a flexible LED, an electroluminescent panel,or an organic light emitting diode (OLED).
 17. The light emitting deviceof claim 14, wherein the light emitting layer is a first light emittinglayer and the light is a first light, the light emitting device furthercomprising: a second light emitting layer disposed on the second edge ofthe flexible body and configured to emit a second light in a directiondifferent than the first light; wherein the waveguide is furtherconfigured to redirect the second light towards the surface of theflexible body.
 18. The light emitting device of claim 14, wherein theminimum irradiance is at least 0.01 milliWatts per centimeter squared(mW/cm²) at the surface.